Arabic – Rhetoric Metonymy Types – 3AS – Letters

Metonymy Types and Purposes

Metonymy is mentioning something and intending its meaning or a related meaning. It is one of the three branches of eloquence along with simile and metaphor.

Definition

Metonymy is a statement used in its literal sense but with a secondary meaning implied. Example: He has long hands means he is generous.

Types of Metonymy

Metonymy of attribute: describing a person indirectly. Metonymy of the described: using the attribute instead of the person. Metonymy of proportion: mentioning part of something indicating the whole.

Purposes

Clarity emphasis politeness avoiding direct reference rhetorical beauty.

Exercises

Identify the metonymy: 1) He has a long arm. 2) She has many fingers in the project. 3) The house has a wide courtyard.

See Metonymy and Metaphor.